If anyone has read Carl's thread about contrast issues, you know that I am a little miffed that I am starting to tan again. However, while at the dermatologist's office this morning, it occurred to me that this is a good thing. Yeah, my vit is now more obvious to the general population, but this is also allowing my doc to track my progress. Thinking along those lines, I thought it might be helpful or at least mildly entertaining to share my progress with the forum.
So, I figure I'll try doing a weekly update with a picture and description of what's going on. We're just starting with my left hand, and I go back in to see the good doctor at the end of July.
I guess I'll start with a couple of basic facts:
INSURANCE: This is NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE. I have a "cadillac" insurance plan under United Health Care- my employer literally told our broker to give us the most pimped out plan they offered. I'm not bragging, but rather trying to point out that the lack of coverage of this treatment is not a matter of a skimpy insurance plan. This treatment is considered purely cosmetic.
COST: Given the "No Freaking Way" response from United, I was a little scared as to what a tube of Benoquin was going to set me back. $69.99, per the pharmacist via telephone. Not sure yet what the size of the tube is or what the dosage is in this particular tube. I'll include a pic of the tube so you get an idea of what $70 will buy you (besides a nice dinner for two- ha!).
HASSLE: I never in a million years thought this would be an issue, but by some strange luck, I seem to have stumbled upon the only doc in town willing to entertain the idea of depigmentation. I got turned down by a number of reputable dermatologists here in Tampa, with no reason given other than "we do not perform depigmentation". It was bad to the point that I was absolutely certain that my doctor was going to tell me today that he'd changed his mind and would not be a party to this. I was relieved when he explained that the reason he got up and left the examination room for 15 minutes was because he had to call his friend who runs a pharmacy/millinery in Philadelphia who dispenses Benoquin to get the full scoop from him.
Another potential hassle is availability of Benoquin. It has to be special ordered from one of the few pharmacies in the US that dispense it. So if the pharmacy tech takes your Rx and tells you it'll be ready in an hour, ask for specifics and make them check the computers. I had the presence of forethought to question the pharmacy this morning, and actually had to spell the name of the drug for the tech and had her call me later saying it's not covered by insurance, but wondering if I still wanted to order it. It was like pulling teeth.
This is what I know so far. I will upload a pic of my hand later tonight or tomorrow for sure. I'm really excited about this!
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Hi there,
I scanned your depigmentation journey quickly. What's your final result? Are you happy with the results and have you completed your treatment?
I am seeing my dermatologist tomorrow morning as I requested to start depigmentation and would grealty appreciate your thoughts on this.
Many thanks
good luck... you'll be happier with one skin tone... but stay out of direct sun for long periods... invest in a good sunblock. ;-)
good luck.
Marty
So true, but I am absolutely fine in the sun as long as I have sunblock... I fish, jog, mow the lawn , etc. No one suspects I"m depigmented. It was the best decision I ever made.
hi.
today,i just got my prescription for benoquin/monobenzone fr. "very" brave derma. woman who was the only one who took me into her practice to help depigment but unfortunately the pharmacist told me USA does not manufactured this product anymore.was depressed ..despite I went to research in the web who sells it & found united pharmacy so I ordered it w/ the risk whether it's real or fake.at this point,i do anything to push thru' my depigmenation.
anyway,wanted to keep in touch w/ you how you doing w/ your depigmentation..what pharmacy are you ordering your benoquin?
I truly appreciate your info...THANK YOU VERY MIUCH..GOODLUCK TO YOU>
Quite an old thread but loved reading it... Read all of these twenty nine pages and I must admit that they were very informative.
great... happy that they were helpful.
Im depigmenting using benoquin home made! its working great for me.
Hi Juan Carlos, and where did you get if from? When did you start with the process? Thanks in advance! Have a great day.
Hey everyone :-)
I too have considered depigmentation as I have about 35% maybe more. I have the generalized bilateral (meaning that it's on the same area on both sides of the body - e.g., hands, feet, knees, face, elbows, etc.). I have visited about all of the dozen of dermatologists in my city and none of them have ever provided benoquin or ether of hydroquinone, etc.. and they all feel like it's a drastic move. I am completely aware, and since this runs in my family (all of the women on my immediate moms side of the family have it; so my mom, my aunt, my nana)..so I know that vitiligo will run its course within another 15 years, and i'll be albino haha.. no offense... I've already had it for 12 years and would consider getting it all done and over with and having to cut out my fun in the sun accordingly. I haven't bothered to read all 25 pages, I will when my finals are over.. but I'm wondering if the few of you who have undergone depigmentation, do you have any tips for me? What to expect? Any adverse or counter-effective reactions? Thanks!
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